Name: Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 9 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 225-250g (8oz) halloumi cheese (block, Cyprus made PDO stamped recommended); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup as a substitute); 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves and tiny sprigs; 2-3 pinches chilli flakes (red pepper flakes, optional)

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Introduction

Golden Halloumi with Honey and Thyme is a quick, delicious dish that balances salty cheese with sweet honey and fragrant herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or a light snack, this recipe brings out the best in halloumi’s unique texture and flavor.

Seven golden-brown rectangular pieces of fried cheese are arranged closely on a white plate. Each piece shows a crispy, textured surface with varying shades of rich brown and slightly charred edges. The cheese is lightly drizzled with a shiny, amber-colored syrup, creating small pools on parts of the plate. Small green herb leaves and red chili flakes are scattered over the cheese, adding drops of green and red color that contrast with the warm tones of the cheese. The background is a white marbled texture that highlights the dish's warm colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

225-250g (8oz) halloumi block (Cyprus made PDO stamped recommended)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves and tiny sprigs
2-3 pinches chilli flakes (red pepper flakes), optional

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the halloumi into 1–1.25 cm (0.4–0.5 inch) thick slices. Place them on a paper towel and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Warm a serving plate so the halloumi stays hot when plated.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Carefully place the halloumi slices in the pan. Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes until the underside is golden, moving them slightly to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Gently turn the slices using a spatula and butter knife if needed, then cook for another 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until golden on the other side.
Step 6: Transfer the fried halloumi onto the warmed serving plate.
Step 7: Quickly drizzle honey over some slices and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and chilli flakes as desired. Some slices can get full honey coverage, while others get just a light drizzle.
Step 8: Serve immediately to enjoy halloumi at its best—crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Tips & Variations

Patting the halloumi dry before frying helps achieve a golden, crispy crust.
Use Cyprus-made halloumi with the PDO stamp for authentic flavor and texture.
Maple syrup is a great vegan-friendly substitute for honey.
Adjust or omit chilli flakes depending on your spice preference.
Serve with crusty bread to mop up the honey and pan juices.

Storage

This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the pan, but leftover halloumi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to avoid rubbery texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cheese squeaky and tough.

How to Serve

Seven pieces of fried cheese are shown cooking in a black non-stick pan. Each piece is rectangular with a crispy, golden brown outer layer that has some darker brown spots. The cheese inside looks white and soft, visible on the sides where the crust has not formed. Small drops of oil surround the pieces, giving a shiny look to the surface of the pan. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pre-sliced halloumi for this recipe?

It’s best to slice the halloumi yourself to ensure even thickness for consistent cooking. Pre-sliced halloumi often varies in thickness and may not fry evenly.

Why does halloumi squeak when I eat it?

Halloumi’s squeaky texture is natural due to its high protein content and firmness. It tends to be less noticeable when freshly cooked and served hot with crispy edges, like in this recipe.